Web Content Viewer (JSR 286)

Web Content Viewer (JSR 286)

Constituent Update - January 24, 2014

Discontinuation of CFIA Pre-clearance of FSIS 9135-3

On Jan. 20, 2014, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) implemented a streamlined import document review process. The CFIA is removing the requirement for pre-clearance of the FSIS Form 9135-3, Certificate for Export of Meat and Poultry Products to Canada. This change will also apply to FSIS 9060-7 and FSIS 9060-18 issued for natural casings. As of Feb. 17, 2014, the implementation of this change will be complete and the CFIA will no longer process pre-clearance review requests of export certificates or documentation.

Details outlining the transition with implementation dates assigned to specific Canadian importers and brokers are available in the FSIS Export Library. The original completed and signed export certificate must be provided directly to the broker effective the date assigned to each Canadian importer and broker. Since the CFIA will no longer pre-clear export certificates for accuracy and completeness, exporters must ensure that all data requirements are entered accurately and completely onto FSIS Forms 9135-3, FSIS 9060-7, FSIS 9060-18 and FSIS letterhead certificates. Failure to provide accurate and complete information could result in delayed or refused entry of the U.S. products exported to Canada. A guideline for completing export certificates for Canada is available in the FSIS Export Library.

Canadian importers and brokers will enter the import data requirements available on the export certificate into the Canadian Border Services Agency’s Electronic Data Interchange system. The data requirements must be accurate and complete to ensure the import requirements are met to allow entry into Canada. Exporters are encouraged to work closely with their Canadian importers and brokers to prevent any potential disruption to shipments to Canada.

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Webinars Scheduled to Discuss Final Rule on New Generic Labeling

Effective Jan. 6, 2014, FSIS expanded the circumstances in which labels may be considered “generically approved.” This new rule will allow establishments to label a broader range of products without first submitting the label to the agency for approval. Companies will still need to submit labels bearing certain claims, such as organic, natural or animal-raising, as well as labels for temporary approval; products produced under religious exemption; and export-only that bear labeling deviations. FSIS will continue to verify that labels are accurate, not misleading and in compliance with all labeling features.

Update: FSIS Testing for E. coli

Between June 4, 2012, and November 3, 2013, FSIS’ laboratory services analyzed a total of 4,334 beef trim samples (3,765 domestic and 569 imported) and 1,545 follow-up samples (1,431 domestic and 114 imported).

Sixty-five samples were found to be positive; 32 were domestic trim samples; and 33 were domestic follow-up samples. To date, two samples have been positive for both O157:H7 and non-O157 STEC, and five samples have been positive for two different non-O157 O-groups.